Discover Cascante: History, Trails and La Huerta

History and Landscape

The La Huerta landscape of Cascante consists mainly of vineyards and olive groves, along with field margins, reed beds, irrigation channels and paths. In Roman times, Cascante was known as Cascantum and was the eleventh station on the route between Tarragona and Astorga.

For further regional orientation, you can also find Zudaire, Doneztebe, Atondo, Legarda, Villafranca, Etxaleku, Urdiain and Lumbier.

Culture

The Museo Etnográfico in Parque del Romero, next to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Romero, conveys the history and traditional occupations of Cascante through farming tools, old organs, coins and other objects. The Museo de Santa Vicenta is located in the four-storey birthplace of Vicenta María López y Vicuña and presents her life and personal belongings.

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Romero de Cascante was built in the Baroque style between 1684 and 1693. A Baroque brick colonnade with 39 round arches connects the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Romero with Cascante. Its features include a Gothic chapel dedicated to Saint Mark with an original Gothic altarpiece from the first half of the 16th century, commissioned from the painter Pedro Díaz de Oviedo.

The Iglesia de la Asunción de Cascante was built between 1527 and 1558 and preserves a collection of paintings that includes the Tabla de la Asunción from the late 16th century. The Iglesia de la Victoria is located in the centre of Cascante; it was formerly a Mínimos monastery, some parts of which have been preserved.

Trails and Nature

Two routes of different lengths lead through the surroundings of Cascante: the municipal Cascante–Humedales cycling route is 35.55 km long, while the Estación de Cascante–Barillas–Olivos de la plana–Laguna de Lor–Estación de Cascante route is 9.2 km long. The different route lengths can be compared directly when planning your day around different distances.

The Vía Verde del Tarazonica is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. The Murchante–Cascante section climbs towards Cascante; there is a rest area at Cascante's former railway station. An elevated path approximately 3 km long runs around Laguna de Lor. Located between Cascante and Ablitas, Laguna de Lor is used for fishing, walking and birdwatching.

Winegrowing

The experience at Bodegas Malón de Echaide in Cascante includes a guided route through the vineyards with explanatory stations about the local wine-growing culture. A visit to Bodegas Malón de Echaide also includes access to the inside of the winery and a tasting of three wines.

Traditions

The Semana Romana de Cascante usually takes place in June and celebrates the Roman archaeological heritage of Cascantum in Hispania through workshops, conferences, an exhibition, theatre and other activities. The Semana Romana includes a community theatre project in which dozens of residents perform a play inspired by the Roman era each year.

On the third weekend of May, a long-standing tradition in Cascante leads to the La Cruceta monument, located on a small hill, where the fields and harvest are blessed together with the parish priest and local authorities.

For the overarching travel overview: Navarre.